Children's Summer Camp at The Broadway Theatre set to put on shows

PITMAN — Charles “Chuck” Bennett, aka Mr. Malcolm to the campers, the director of the Children’s Summer Camp at The Broadway Theatre in Pitman is gearing up for his upcoming shows this Saturday.

Bennett, a professional in the theater business who began his career at The Sketch Club in Woodbury, loves giving back to Gloucester County within theater arts.

The Children’s Summer Camp at Broadway opened in 2008 and has been growing ever since. There is now a cap on enrollment of 160.

The camp is three weeks long, half-day or full-day, beginning the third week of July, giving youths ages 5 -14 the opportunity to learn theater as a hobby or pursue it as a career.

“There are no tryouts, the camp is for anyone that wants to learn,” Bennett said. “Children with no experience will become better public speakers and gain friendship within the camp.”

The camp is split into two age groups, 5-8 year olds and 9-14 year olds. “Magic of Music and Movies,” which will be performed by the younger age group, is a challenging show they were able to learn in a week and a half. The show will bring together lines from different Disney movies sharing group songs and solos.

“Beauty and the Beast Jr.” will be performed by the older group.

“A beautiful show that is a beast to put on,” said Bennett, as he reflected on the work that goes into the production.

The show is running like a typical performance practiced in 25 rehearsals that has been accelerated to 15 rehearsals.

“‘Beauty and the Beast’ is a classic movie — the most serious of cartoons with beautiful music,” said Bennett.

“Some of the campers go on to our main stage shows,” said Bennett, adding that the accelerated pace prepares campers for professional theater.

Malcolm is already planning next summer’s shows — “Narnia” and “Cinderella.” He noted that spaces fill up fast and registration begins in January.

“The Broadway Theatre is not just a typical box office theater. It is yesterday and today, historic charm with modern conveniences, the best of both worlds. The ambiance adds to the performance,” said Bennett speaking of the history of the theater. The Broadway began as a fully operational vaudeville theater, and to this day the decor is still French Revival motif.

“Magic of Music and Movies” will be performing Saturday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” will be performing Saturday at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10, available at the box office. The Broadway Theatre of Pitman, 43 S. Broadway Pitman, NJ 08071.